You’re about to discover a Chinese soup recipe that’s both familiar and innovative. This hot and sour soup combines the tangy flavors of vinegar and chili peppers with the richness of pork and savory mushrooms. To make it, you’ll need pork shoulder, water, salt, vegetable oil, and cornstarch, with options to customize with chicken or beef, vegetable broth, and gluten-free soy sauce. Take your soup to the next level with dried lily flowers, wood ear mushrooms, and spiced dry tofu for an authentic Chinese flavor. Now, get ready to uncover the secrets to balancing the bold flavors and thickening the soup to perfection.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Traditional Chinese Hot and Sour Soup
To make a traditional Chinese hot and sour soup, you’ll need:
- Pork shoulder
- Water
- Salt
- Vegetable oil
- Cornstarch
- Mushrooms
- Tofu
Tips for Choosing Ingredients
The quality of these ingredients can greatly impact the flavor and texture of your soup. You can replace pork shoulder with:
- Chicken
- Beef
Or use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian option.
Adding Authentic Chinese Flavor
Consider adding:
- Dried lily flowers
- Wood ear mushrooms
to give your soup a more authentic Chinese flavor.
Sourcing Ingredients with Dietary Restrictions in Mind
When buying ingredients, remember to check for:
- Gluten-free soy sauce
- Vegan-friendly alternatives to egg and dairy products
You can also customize your soup to suit individual tastes by adding:
- More vinegar
- White pepper
Instructions
Let’s Cook!
Marinating the Pork Shoulder
First, we need to marinate the pork shoulder in a mixture of water, salt, and vegetable oil. This helps to make the pork tender and adds flavor to the soup.
Browning the Pork
Next, heat sesame oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork and cook until it’s brown on all sides. This is called browning, and it adds depth and richness to the soup.
Adding Ingredients
Add the following ingredients to the pan:
- Dried red chili peppers
- Dried lily flower
- Dried wood ear mushrooms
- Dried shiitake mushrooms
- Spiced dry tofu
- Fresh firm tofu
- Bamboo shoots
- Egg
Stir everything together.
Adding Liquid Ingredients
Now, add the following liquid ingredients to the pan:
- Low sodium chicken stock
- Salt
- Sugar
- White pepper
- Dark soy or mushroom soy sauce
- Light soy sauce or seasoned soy sauce
- White vinegar
Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer until the ingredients are cooked through.
Thickening the Soup
Tips and Variations
Customize to Your Taste
You can adjust this hot and sour soup recipe to fit your taste preferences. Try:
- Adding more dried red chili peppers for extra spiciness
- Reducing the amount of salt to suit your dietary needs
- Experimenting with different cooking techniques, such as adding ingredients in a specific order
- Using different types of protein like chicken or shrimp
A Recipe with History
This hot and sour soup recipe has a rich history, originating from my grandparents’ Chinese takeout restaurant. They perfected the recipe over the years. You can give it a modern twist by:
- Adding unique ingredients like kimchi or pickled ginger for a bold flavor
- Serving it with a side of steamed dumplings or noodles for a filling meal
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Information
Low-Calorie and Nutritious
This hot and sour soup recipe is a low-calorie option, with approximately 250 calories per serving. This makes it a great choice for a comforting meal without consuming too many calories.
Vitamins and Minerals
This hot and sour soup is a good source of:
- Vitamin A, thanks to the bamboo shoots and egg
- Vitamin C, from the scallions and mushrooms
- Essential minerals like potassium, calcium, and iron
Macronutrients
This soup has a balance of:
- Carbohydrates
- Protein
- Fat
The low sodium chicken stock and light soy sauce keep sodium levels low, making this a heart-healthy option.
Overall, a Nutritious Choice
This hot and sour soup recipe is a nutritious and flavorful choice for a quick and easy meal.
